Hotel Morris Sydney Is An Underrated Art Deco Gem

This ultra-stylish hotel embodies the phrase “small but mighty".

While abundant amenities and expansive guestrooms are typical of large hotels, Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection , proves that smaller establishments can be just as impressive, especially if you’re a design lover.

This boutique property celebrates Sydney’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary hospitality, a place where attention to detail is woven throughout. Having opened its doors in June 2023, it has quickly established itself as a standout addition to Sydney’s hotel scene, particularly appealing to style-savvy travellers.

Here’s everything to know before booking your stay whether you’re visiting Sydney or in need of a staycay.

Location

Hotel Morris is nestled in bustling Haymarket, at the southern end of the Sydney central business district. This puts you in a prime location to access major attractions such as Central Station, Capital Theatre, and Chinatown. Haymarket is very close to the city centre and boasts a diverse culinary offering, with over 200 Asian eateries for you to choose from. Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

the building exterior of Hotel Morris Sydney — The prominent Hotel Morris sign has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory.

Style and character

Hotel Morris exudes Art Deco charm merged with 21st-century amenities. Originally opened in 1929, it stood as Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. Designed by architect Virgil Dante Cizzio in his signature Inter-War Palazzo style, this building has undergone various transformations before a significant restoration turned it into the chic accommodation it is today.

the interior details of Hotel Morris Sydney — The accommodation is part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection.

The slim building stands proudly with arched windows that mimic the original design and prominent signage that has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory. Guests step through 1930s steel-framed doors and are welcomed by a space that impeccably blends historic and contemporary design, thanks to interior design firm Tom Mark Henry. The foyer is shared with the onsite restaurant Bar Morris. Here, an amalgamation of rich reds, pastel pinks, natural stone, original ornate moulding, handmade tiles, and Venetian plaster create an opulent yet welcoming ambience. Art Deco Murano chandeliers add an element of glamour to the space.

a bedroom with arched windows at Hotel Morris Sydney — Arched windows flood natural light into guestrooms.

The guest hallways feature custom wallpaper with playful graphics, while the guestrooms offer a lighter palette that’s a chic extension of the aesthetic established in the public spaces.

Overall, the design-led interiors reflect a thoughtful balance between preserving the building’s heritage and introducing modern elegance.

the bathroom interior at Hotel Morris Sydney — Ensuite bathrooms are sleek and contemporary.

Facilities

As Hotel Morris is on the smaller side, you unfortunately won’t find a gym, swimming pool, or parking on site. However, no visit is complete without a snack and tipple at the on-site dining venue Bar Morris.

Rooms

There are 82 compact but well-appointed rooms ranging from the cosy Bambina to the luxe Grande King rooms. These stylish accommodations are decorated in rich ochre and red tones, modernist furnishings, Art Deco-style lighting, colourful artworks from local artists, and bold textures—all of which create a welcoming ambience. All rooms feature walk-in showers, custom-designed beds and luxurious IIUVO soigné bathroom amenities.

Those looking for a bit more indulgence and room should book one of the Grande King rooms which feature a spacious lounge area with Art Deco-style seating, waffle-weave robes, and expansive arched windows.

a mirror on the wall of the bathroom, Hotel Morris Sydney — This stylish hotel is brimming with sophisticated Art Deco-inspired details.

Food and drink

Downstairs in the foyer is the hotel’s 40-seat Italian wine bar and restaurant, Bar Morris. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this intimate space is perfect for a quick bite, afternoon tipple, or relaxed night in.

For breakfast, guests can choose from a continental spread with fresh fruit, pastries, and yoghurt, as well as à la carte like avocado toast and eggs and Italian eggs benedict.

the intimate dining at Hotel Morris Sydney — Slink into the elegant bar and restaurant for an intimate meal.

From 11am, the bar offers a tight list of deli-style bites to keep you fueled throughout the day. Snack on a baguette filled with mortadella, salami, pickles and romesco sauce or a sourdough sandwich of tuna steak arrabbiata, charred eggplant and zucchini.

Come evening, enjoy Italian classics such as mafaldine with pork shoulder ragu and pecorino and Spaghetti Alle Vongole. These are to be paired with Italian-style aperitifs like the Ocean’s Depth Martini with Seven Seasons green ant gin, dry vermouth, house brine and Sicilian olives. and a host of Australian and Italian wines.

Don’t miss taking advantage of the hotel’s Negroni Trolley service from 4pm to 6pm where you can choose from six varieties of Negronis made right outside your room.

a spread of food on the table at Hotel Morris Sydney — The menu has an array of offerings, from Italian classics to deli-style bites.

Accessibility

Rooms that are fully equipped with accessible support for wheelchair users are available.

Family-friendly?

Hotel Morris is better suited for couples and business travellers rather than families.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, solo travellers, couples

Address: 412 Pitt St, Haymarket

Find other amazing places to stay in Sydney in our Accommodation Guide.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

Hotel Morris Sydney: an underrated Art Deco gem in the city